Identification of spermatogenesis-associated changes in DNA methylation induced by maternal exposure to chemicals in male germ cells

• Published in: STAR protocols Vol. 3; no. 4; p. 101912
• Main Authors: Tando, Yukiko, Matsui, Yasuhisa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Elsevier Inc 16.12.2022; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Developmental biology; DNA Methylation; Female; Germ Cells; Humans; Male; Maternal Exposure - adverse effects; Metabolism; Mice; Protocol; Reproduction; Spermatogenesis - genetics; Stem Cells; Stem Cells; Metabolism; Developmental biology
• ISSN: 2666-1667; 2666-1667
• DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101912

It is now recognized that maternal environmental factors, including chemical exposure and nutritional conditions, alter DNA methylation patterns in fetal germ cells, subsequently affecting germ cell development as well as offspring phenotypes. Here, we describe steps for detecting DNA methylation changes in mouse germ cells isolated from both embryonic and spermatogenic stages after maternal exposure to a chemical compound. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Tando et al. (2021).1 [Display omitted] •Protocol for maternal chemical exposure of mouse•Using flow cytometry to isolate fetal and adult germ cells after chemical exposure•Analysis of DNA methylation changes using RRBS and bisulfite sequencing Publisher’s note: Undertaking any experimental protocol requires adherence to local institutional guidelines for laboratory safety and ethics. It is now recognized that maternal environmental factors, including chemical exposure and nutritional conditions, alter DNA methylation patterns in fetal germ cells, subsequently affecting germ cell development as well as offspring phenotypes. Here, we describe steps for detecting DNA methylation changes in mouse germ cells isolated from both embryonic and spermatogenic stages after maternal exposure to a chemical compound.